231 Industry-wide PSP, melding new technology and traditional exposure assessment to promote opportunities for improvements

One aspect of the PSP developed by High Temperature Insulation Wool (HTIW) producers is to evaluate the impact of regulation and technology on exposure, at manufacturing and users’ facilities. Aims This study assesses the impact of novel techniques for communicating information on techniques to control dust generation, introduced following the BOELV for ASW/RCF, Methods Now in its 27th year, CARE/PSP is the European programme collecting data for occupational exposure to airborne fibrous dust. Following the introduction of the BOELV in 2017, CARE participants began to use visual real-time data recording to improve communication and training, in tandem with traditional monitoring techniques. A review of the data, focusing on evidence of reduced exposure or changed industrial practices since 2017 was conducted. The data was split pre- and post- 2017 and compared to alkaline earth silicate wool (AES/LBP) which is not classified. An independent third-party statistician extracted the relevant data for this study. Results There are significant differences in workplace exposure among functional job categories (FJCs), since the introduction of the BOELV there has been a reduction in exposure, greater use of alternative AES/LBP and move to increased use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) across all FJCs where ASW/RCF is being used. Conclusion The data review for the period 2017-2021 has demonstrated •an overall reduction in fibre exposure at both manufacturers and users’ facilities. •greater awareness of the need to control fibrous dust. •increased uptake in the use of RPE •use of RPE with higher protection factors •a move to alternative non-classified HTIW as appropriate.